Press Release – Persephone Theatre Ready For Next Phase of Roof Repair Thanks To Generous Donation
Saskatoon, SK – Persephone Theatre is excited to continue to the next step in the roof replacement journey, made possible by a generous donation.
Ellen Remai has committed $1 Million to go towards the roof replacement needed at the Remai Arts Centre, home to Persephone Theatre. This substantial gift will enable the theatre company to tackle the second phase of the repair in 2026, focusing on the lower portion of the roof, the largest part of the project.
“The Remai Arts Centre is not just Persephone Theatre’s home, it is also home to the Saskatoon community and is utilized year-round by arts and community groups,” said Persephone Theatre Executive Director Breanne Harmon. “This tremendous gift from the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation will have a strong impact on the future of Persephone Theatre, allowing us to continue to serve the community and our patrons. We are grateful to Ellen Remai and the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation for their continued support and dedication to both Persephone Theatre and arts and culture in Saskatoon.”
Since Persephone has taken its permanent home in the Remai Arts Centre close to 18 years ago, the roof has seen significant leaks and pooling water, often leading to water damage and safety concerns throughout the building, most notably above the stage, in administration, and within the wardrobe shop. After years of temporary patching, the roof has come to the end of its useful life, and needs a complete replacement, which will cost the theatre more than $2 million.
“I am pleased to make this donation and to continue my long-term support for Persephone Theatre,” Ellen Remai said. “I look forward to the future success of Persephone, and its close and enduring relationship with the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation.”
Persephone Theatre is grateful for the ongoing support of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, whose contributions have been instrumental in the theatre’s growth and sustainability. Last year, the Foundation helped fund an accessibility renovation in the lobby of the building, and their generosity has been appreciated throughout the years.
The “Raise the Roof” campaign could not have started without the generous support of Malcolm and Marilyn Leggett, who committed to donate $300,000 over three years to launch the campaign, and allow Persephone to fulfill the first phase of the roof in 2024.
”Fundraising to replace the full roof has been a significant undertaking, especially at a time when so many arts and culture organizations have been struggling to keep their door open, and the Leggetts made it possible for us to not only kickstart the campaign, but to undergo the first phase of the roof replacement in 2024, ensuring the Fly Tower above the stage was replaced immediately,” Harmon said. “The Leggetts longstanding support of Persephone Theatre goes beyond their support of the capital campaign and we could not have begun this immense project without their support.”
In addition to the generous contributions from philanthropists, like the Remai Foundation and the Leggetts, Persephone Theatre will be continuing to seek support from the community through its “Raise the Roof” Capital Campaign.
“We are thankful to all who have already donated to the ‘Raise the Roof’ campaign, but are calling on the community for their continued support,” Harmon said. “With your gift, we can ensure a long and sustained future for Persephone Theatre and for the community.”
Individuals and organizations who support Persephone Theatre can contribute to the final phase of the “Raise the Roof” campaign by contacting Development Officer Ericka Bold or Executive Director Breanne Harmon to make their own gift to replace (and raise) the roof.
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For more information or to book an interview, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg, Director of Marketing & Communications
306-384-2126 ext. 237
[email protected]
